Big plans for microproducts highlighted at virtual groundbreaking

There were no gold-plated shovels or dirt to move, but a "virtual" groundbreaking ceremony at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Ore., on January 18 succeeded in building awareness and support for the new Microproducts Breakthrough Institute. Established by the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Oregon State University (OSU), the MBI is designed to encourage the advancement of microtechnology in the Northwest. The institute is expected to help create new and emerging microtechnology-based industries using with smaller, lighter, and more efficient energy, chemical and biological systems. In addition to providing breakthrough technologies and promote economic development in the Northwest, MBI will provide educational opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students

The 120 invited guests included Oregon State legislators, industrial representatives, educators and PNNL and OSU staff including PNNL Interim Laboratory Director Walt Apley and OSU Interim President Timothy White. The ceremony was followed by a reception and a poster session on microtechnology.

Shrink technology burgeoning - The Oregonian - January 29, 2003